Laura Russman, Farrier for the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, began working at the college in 2024.
When did you begin working at the College of Veterinary Medicine?
I began working for the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Farrier Service in September last year.
Describe your role at the college.
I am a full-time farrier with the veterinary college. I work in the large animal clinic, at Midwest clinic in Farmer City, and ambulatory as well.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love getting to work with a great group of farriers and our amazing veterinarians. I also love getting to help teach the students in classes and day-to-day cases. It is such a rewarding job seeing the vet students’ progress and getting to help horses at the same time.
Complete this sentence: My most memorable day at work was…
…doing a routine trim on a group of horses at Midwest clinic, and I found a bolt stuck in a horse’s hoof. Luckily, the x-rays showed it was just a bolt head and not the full bolt. The horse is happy and healthy.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside. I like to hike, fish, go camping, kayaking, and of course horse riding.
What is something your co-workers may be surprised to know about you?
I wanted to be a marine biologist growing up, but I’m terrified of water.
What is one thing on your bucket list?
I have been planning a long trip to Africa sometime. I have wanted to go ever since I was a kid.
Do you have a favorite restaurant or place in the Champaign/Urbana area?
I haven’t been to many places since moving here, but I absolutely love going to the Chinatown Buffet in Champaign.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without?
I could not go without being around animals. They have become a massive part of my life.
Do you have any pets?
I have two pets. A 9-year-old German shepherd, Akita mix I rescued named Lilly and a 6-year-old off track Thoroughbred named Ganghis Khan (Khanner).
